131-mph chase ends in wreck

BANNERTOWN— A police chase that hit speeds in excess of 130 mph came to an abrupt end on Holly Springs Church Road Wednesday evening, when the motorcyclist leading police on the chase crashed.

According to the N.C. Highway Patrol’s Trooper C.G. Lemons, police initially sought to pull over Lindsay Barr, of King, for a speeding violation and passing multiple vehicles on a double yellow line. However, the 21-year-old allegedly attempted to flee, leading troopers on a 26.3-mile chase.

Lemons said the chase, which began on Old U.S. 52 in King, came to an end when Barr wrecked the 2010 Harley Davidson he was riding near the Holly Hills development on Holly Springs Church Road. The incident occurred at about 8 p.m. on Wednesday evening.

Surry County EMS Director John Shelton noted Barr was transported to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center for medical care after the incident.

Due to federal laws which limit how much information health care providers are allowed to release publicly, details were scant on his condition Friday morning. A nursing administrator at Wake indicated Barr was in “good condition.”

That status indicates “Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable. Indicators are excellent,” according to Wake’s website.

According to Lemons, a number of charges, including one felony, await Barr once he is released from the hospital.

Lemons said he has been charged with felony speeding to elude law enforcement officers and operating a vehicle in a careless and reckless manner. He was also cited with a speeding violation for operating the motorcycle at 131 mph in a 65 mph zone and a violation of the state’s concealed carry laws.

Lemons also noted use of alcohol was not a factor in the incident.

Barr has no prior convictions, according to the N.C. Department of Public Safety’s online search tool.

He is scheduled to appear in District Court in Stokes County on Dec. 9 and Jan. 23, where he faces more than a dozen charges, including the ones Lemons cited and lesser charges such as operating a motorcycle with no motorcycle endorsement and operating a vehicle with no inspection or expired tags.